Profiling smokers in Greece in 2020
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1
George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, Athens, Greece
2
Institute of Public Health, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
3
Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
Publication date: 2021-12-10
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2021;7(Supplement):10
ABSTRACT
Background:
Smoking prevalence in Greece has been extensively studied in the course of the past decade, however smokers' lifestyle characteristics are not documented. Aim of our study was to identify differences in lifestyle choices between smokers and non-smokers.
Methods:
Data derive from the most recent Health Survey conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority in 2019 including 8,125 participants 15-years-old and above. Dataset was weighted to become representative of the Greek population 15-years-old and above. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences between groups. Analysis was performed in Stata 14.
Results:
Smoking prevalence was 29%; 25% daily and 4% occasional smokers. Smoking was observed more in males (36%) than females (22%) (p<0.001) and among the ages 35-64-years-old (34-38% vs <32% in the other age groups, p<0.001). Median number of cigarettes smoked per day was 15 (Interquartile Range 15-20). Lifestyle choices differed between smokers and non-smokers; alcohol use was observed more in smokers (p<0.001), and especially in male compared to female smokers (p<0.001). Weekly consumption of fruit (p<0.001), vegetables (p<0.001) and fresh fruit/vegetable juices (p<0.001) was observed more in non-smokers compared to smokers, while soft drinks were consumed more by smokers than non-smokers on a weekly basis (p<0.001). Physical exercise was observed in a low proportion in both smokers (25%) and non-smokers (26%) (p=0.87).
Conclusion:
Smoking in Greece is observed more in males than females and among the ages of 35-64-years-old. Lifestyle choices differ between smokers and non-smokers, with non-smokers leading a healthier lifestyle, while physical exercise is low in Greece regardless of smoking status.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
No Conflicts of Interest were reported.